Fear Not
The Georgia Aquarium buzzed with children pressed against the glass of the exhibits. I wandered through the array of aquatic creatures, but the sharks captivated me the most. While I wouldn't dare be within 5 feet of one, a team of divers did the unthinkable. Not only were they swimming with the sharks, but they were even petting them like friendly house cats. Their fearlessness wasn't recklessness, I discovered. They were trained professionals, equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate this potentially dangerous situation. This led me to a surprising lesson: if a shark approaches you, hold your ground. Make eye contact, extend your arms, and firmly push its snout away. It's about projecting dominance, not fear. This simple act of asserting authority could be the difference between becoming lunch or being left alone. This encounter sparked a realization that extended far beyond the aquarium walls. It mirrored the way children of God should navigate the realm of spiritual forces. Just like the divers approached the sharks with knowledge and authority, we too can face spiritual challenges with our faith as our shield.
Ephesians 6:11-13 - Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
1. Satan Has an Agenda
John 10:10 New International Version
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Satan wages war against us, with the goal of causing us to fall short and be in eternal damnation (hell). He can take advantage of your circumstances and vulnerabilities to rob you of your salvation. Before I continue, please note that not every sin, every conflict, and every problem is the result of warfare but instead can simply be the consequences of your own actions. Needless to say, spiritual warfare can and DOES happen. Moreover, as saints, the strength and conviction of our faith is continuously tested (James 1:2-3). In this battle, we face not only external forces but our flesh that strives to stray us away from the path of righteousness (Galatians 5:17-23). Thankfully we can look to the wisdom of scripture and the Armor of God to encourage us in this spiritual war.
2. God Has the Power
Matthew 28:18 New International Version
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
As I researched this topic, I came across a source that stated the following: “Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18 that, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” We now have the privilege of having an eternal relationship with God. Many of us enter into that covenant of salvation by grace. But the Matthew 28:18 verse is not only about our salvation; it is also about our everyday victory, which adds up to victorious living in Christ.”
The Lord has the power and has given you authority over the enemy’s attacks through Him. In Strong’s Greek concordance, it states the phrase “full armor” (Luke 11:22) means panoplia in Greek. Specifically, to have complete armor of defensive and offensive weapons. As aforementioned in Ephesians 6:11-13, to stand against Satan’s agenda we must put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:13-18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit.
3. Authority Comes From God
Caution - Though there is power in the name of Jesus, do not presume authority you do not have yourself. Even Michael the archangel did not rebuke Satan in his own power but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 1:9). Presuming authority that wasn’t had, severely backfired on the seven sons of Sceva. Sceva, who is identified as “a Jewish chief priest” (Acts 19:14), had seven sons “who went around driving out evil spirits” (Acts 19:13). Seeing the success that Paul had in casting out demons, the seven sons of Sceva began using a new formula invoking the name of Jesus. That is until a demon they were trying to cast out refused, saying, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). The demon then turned on them viciously. The demon-possessed man “jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding” (Acts 19:16). Their motives were fueled by pride, but Luke 10:20 says, "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” They did not have a covenant with Christ and did not possess the power of the Holy Spirit. There was nothing in them or their words that would cause a demon to pay them any mind. They got the beating of a lifetime and I just know it hurt.
4. Conclusion
In the depths of the Georgia Aquarium, amidst the presence of sharks, I noticed a profound truth. Just as trained divers fearlessly navigated their encounters with these formidable creatures, we too, as children of God, can confront spiritual warfare with confidence and authority. Ephesians 6:11-13 reminds us to clothe ourselves in the full armor of God, equipping us to stand against the schemes of the devil. Satan's agenda seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but through our faith in Christ, we possess the authority to resist and overcome. As we embrace the truth of Matthew 28:18, recognizing that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Jesus, we tap into the power that enables us to confront spiritual adversaries. However, we must exercise caution, understanding that our authority stems from God alone. Just as the seven sons of Sceva learned the hard way, presuming authority without the backing of the Holy Spirit can lead to defeat. Yet, with the full armor of God and a reliance on His power, we need not fear the warfare we encounter. Instead, let us stand firm, wielding the sword of the Spirit, and praying in the strength of the Holy Spirit, knowing that through Christ, we are more than conquerors.